Magennis: We Need To Grow Up

Josh Magennis believes he and his Kilmarnock team-mates need to grow up if they are to stave off the growing threat of relegation.

Gary Locke's side have lost their last seven Scottish Premiership League matches and are just three points ahead of Motherwell who occupy the play-off spot with two games remaining.

Killie travel to Partick on Saturday before hosting Ross County, whom they lead on goal difference, in their final fixture the following week and pressure is mounting.

Magennis, speaking at Rugby Park where he was helping to promote the club's new commercial partnership with Belhaven Best, stressed that the Kilmarnock players have to show "a real responsibility" to get themselves out of their "predicament".

"It is always the gaffer who takes the flak first but he can only prepare Monday to Friday and as soon as we go on the pitch it is up to us to do our job for him," said the 24-year-old striker.

"Unfortunately for the last seven games we haven't done that. Seven defeats in a row hasn't been good enough.

"So it is time we grew up and became big boys and showed two performances that is going to save our season.

"We are playing for people's livelihoods. As you have seen at St Mirren there has been a clear-out (since relegation), people's jobs have gone and we don't need that.

"This is a family-orientated club and we need everyone pulling in the same direction.

"I think we will get out of it - if I didn't, I shouldn't be in football. But we all have to rally together and see the season out."

The Northern Ireland striker fought a successful battle for survival when on loan to St Mirren from Aberdeen last season.

With that experience in mind, he believes some of the Thistle players, who have guaranteed the Jags an eighth-place finish at least, will have one eye on their summer holidays.

He said: "Even though Partick Thistle are a very good side, half of their team probably want the season to end so they can get away on their holidays and relax.

"They have done fantastic this season. Their job is done, they got what they wanted which is to be safe and be in the Premiership next season.

"Unfortunately we haven't done that yet.

"When I went to St Mirren last season there was overwhelming pressure but when you get over the hill and your status is safe, there is a massive relief.

"It is not that as a professional, you take your foot off the afterburner but there is no added pressure.

Everyone can relax, everyone can look forward to next season, people's livelihoods are safe and you don't have to worry about anything apart from booking your holidays. It was a great feeling."